HSMSC Partners with ASPCA to Fight Cruelty

Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 21, 2016 – As animal cruelty becomes more prominent in the Memphis area, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has awarded the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County (HSMSC) with a $10,050 grant to fund a pilot program to help investigate local animal cruelty.
The grant will be used for a pilot project aimed at providing education and outreach to recognize and address animal cruelty. HSMSC Criminal Investigator J. Morgret will be training and educating individuals that routinely visit Shelby County residents about the HSMSC anti-cruelty program. Through this program, HSMSC plans to provide two on-site trainings with educational materials, increase cruelty investigation calls, and increase the number of animals removed and placed with HSMSC in 2017.

The ASPCA is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. Their mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Through this grant, the ASPCA is not only supporting the program, but supplying equipment to increase the officer’s safety with the funding for a bullet proof vest and body worn camera.

“This grant will allow us to expand our cruelty investigations and provide more resources to the general public, which ultimately benefits the animals within our community,” said HSMSC Development Manager, Amanda Harris. “We are grateful for the work the ASPCA does throughout the country and are excited to be awarded with such a generous gift for this anti-cruelty program.”

In 2015, the HSMSC’s Office of Criminal Investigations responded to 1098 calls for service, rescued 120 animals over the course of 620 investigations, and made 27 arrests. HSMSC takes appropriate action on every case of potential cruelty reported. Anyone wishing to report cruelty can use the report cruelty tab at www.memphishumane.org, email reportcruelty@memphishumane.org or call the cruelty hotline at 901-937-3910.

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County has worked in the Memphis community since 1933 to give injured and abused dogs and cats a second chance at life. The organization provides a safe place to recover, nutritious food and outstanding veterinary care for an average of 300 animals at a time. HSMSC staff and volunteers provide training, affection and socialization to the animals in their care to help them be adopted successfully into new and loving homes. HSMSC’s funding comes exclusively from private donations. For more information, visit www.memphishumane.org, call 901- 937-3900 or visit the facility at 935 Farm Road.